Victoria’s Secret Angels Irina Shayk, Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel and Joan Smalls shed their wings and let their hair down at the star-studded after party at the Crane Club on Wednesday night.
The legendary Angels and up-and-coming nepo babies united on the runway for the annual presentation in New York City.
The supermodels celebrated the show’s triumphant second year back, after a six-year hiatus that nearly spelled doom for the iconic lingerie brand.
Irina, 39, swapped her racy red lingerie for a glamorous champagne gown to party in the big apple.
Doutzen, 40, showcased her youthful appearance and chiseled abs in a more casual look, opting for high-waist denim jeans as she joined flesh-flashing Imaan Hammam.
Candice, 36, displayed her underwear and presented her incredibly toned legs in a semi-sheer LBD.
Victoria’s Secret Angels Irina Shayk, 39, (pictured), Doutzen Kroes, Candice Swanepoel and Joan Smalls shed their wings and let their hair down at the after party on Wednesday night
Doutzen (L), 40, showcased her youthful appearance and chiseled abs in a more casual look, opting for high-waist denim jeans as she joined flesh-flashing Imaan Hammam (R)
Candice, 36, (L) displayed her underwear and presented her incredibly toned legs in a semi-sheer LBD while Lingerie-clad Joan Smalls, 37, (R) turned up the heat in a very racy garment
Lingerie-clad Joan Smalls, 37, turned up the heat in a very racy corset garment that she paired with a leather jacket.
Alessandra Ambrosio – who previously hung up her wings in 2017 – made a triumphant return to the runway, with her supportive boyfriend Buck Palmer at her side.
For the after party, Alessandra put on a leggy display in a tiny mini skirt and plunging lace top.
Actress Nina Dobrev cut a chic figure in a pattern satin skirt and black blouse as she arrived to celebrate the Angels.
The runway show, which aired live on Amazon Prime Video, signaled a return to the classic ‘glitzy and sensual’ style of the show as it tries to ramp up sales, following a turn toward so-called ‘woke’ posturing.
Bella Hadid – who was joined at the show by her older sister Gigi Hadid – made a grand entrance on the runway in a fiery crimson bra and lace thong while displaying a deep tan.
She looked phenomenal as she sashayed down the catwalk in a shock appearance after she retreated from the spotlight in recent weeks to focus on her health.
The Vogue covergirl had been hospitalised for treatments related to what she attributes to the controversial diagnosis of chronic lyme disease, but she has also struggled with mental health issues in recent months.
The runway show, which aired live on Amazon Prime Video, signaled a return to the classic ‘glitzy and sensual’ style of the show, following a turn toward so-called ‘woke’ posturing
The legendary Angels and up-and-coming nepo babies united on the runway for the annual presentation in New York City
The supermodels celebrated the show’s triumphant second year back, after a six-year hiatus that nearly spelled doom for the iconic lingerie brand (Anok Yai pictured)
Alessandra Ambrosio – who previously hung up her wings in 2017 – made a triumphant return to the runway, with her supportive boyfriend Buck Palmer at her side
For the after party, Alessandra put on a leggy display in a tiny mini skirt and plunging lace top
The loved-up couple couldn’t wipe the smile off their faces as they held hands on route to the bash
Actress Nina Dobrev cut a chic figure in a pattern satin skirt and black blouse as she arrived to celebrate the Angels
Jodie Turner-Smith looked trendy in a quirky leather jacket and casual denim jeans
Behati Prinsloo looked boho chic in brown trousers and a low-waist halterneck top
Stella Maxwell flashed her svelte model physique in a black semi-sheer lace dress
Yet she wasn’t the only model to make an impact on the runway, as Angel Jasmine Tookes opened the show while nine months pregnant, while Emily Ratajkowski made her show debut aged 34 – surprising given the average age of retirement for a Victoria’s Secret model is 28.
Bella looked sensational as she wore a red lace garter over her ripped abs that held up her sheer red stockings, while she pulled a red cloak behind her.
The catwalk star traded out her usual brunette tresses for feathered golden-blond locks.
She completed her outfit and elevated her impressive stature with metallic open-toe heels that strapped around her ankles.
Bella returned later in the show with a dramatically different look in a white-and-silver color scheme featuring an opaque white bra decorated with tassels covered with silver sequins.
The bra was connected to her garter, which also was decorated with the sequined tassel and had thin straps crisscrossing her stomach.
The tasseled garter skirt put the spotlight on her long, trim legs, and she completed her angelic look with a dramatic pair of white flower-covered wings that looked like clouds.
The show turned into a sister act when her older sister Gigi Hadid also walked the runway.
Bella Hadid ruled the runway after her health woes, Jasmine Tookes opened the show at nine months pregnant and Emily Ratajkowski made her debut
She looked phenomenal as she sashayed down the catwalk in a shock appearance after she retreated from the spotlight in recent weeks to focus on her health
Bella was back after withdrawing from public life for treatments related to health complications from what she attributes to the controversial diagnosis of chronic lyme disease
Bella returned later in the show with a dramatically different look in a white-and-silver color scheme
She wore an opaque white bra decorated with tassels covered with silver sequins
The tasseled garter skirt put the spotlight on her long, trim legs, and she completed her angelic look with a dramatic pair of white flower-covered wings that looked like clouds
The show turned into a sister act when her older sister Gigi Hadid also walked the runway
Gigi flashed her taut midriff in a bubblegum-pink top and high-waisted lace panties
She covered up with a sheer pink robe that was lined with voluminous pink flowers
Gigi complemented her sister when she returned in a second look, a luminous white teddy with a fluttering skirt
The outfit was framed by plump white pillow-like wings
Gigi, who had her brunette hair parted to the side and swept back in a bun, flashed her taut midriff in a bubblegum-pink top and high-waisted lace panties.
She covered up with a sheer pink robe that was lined with voluminous pink flowers.
Gigi complemented her sister when she returned in a second look, a luminous white teddy with a fluttering skirt that was framed by plump white pillow-like wings.
Jasmine Tookes kicked off the show by baring her heavily pregnant tummy in a golden mesh cover-up with a satiny brown bra and thong.
Instead of wings, she had a wire-frame clam shell decorated with enormous pearl-like beads.
Emily Ratajkowski made her debut on the Victoria’s Secret runway in a lavender lace bra and thong, along with heels that strapped up her legs.
Unlike the traditional angelic wings many of the models wore, she was strapped to a lovely pink orchid design.
Adriana Lima made a stunning entrance in a sheer sequin-covered bodysuit with glittering underwear underneath that made it look almost as if she was walking out in the buff.
Her minimalist ensemble was decorated with copper-colored metallic wings.
Later, Adriana returned with a second black-and-silver look.
She contrasted her enormous silver wingspan with a cut-out teddy featuring sheer black stripes over her trim tummy.
She added a touch of elegance with lacy black gloves reaching to her upper arms and a set of knee-high black leather boots.
Jasmine Tookes kicked off the show by baring her heavily pregnant tummy in a golden mesh cover-up with a satiny brown bra and thong
Instead of wings, she had a wire-frame clam shell decorated with enormous pearl-like beads
Emily Ratajkowski made her debut on the Victoria’s Secret runway in a lavender lace bra and thong, along with heels that strapped up her legs
Unlike the traditional angelic wings many of the models wore, she was strapped to a lovely pink orchid design
All eyes were on Emily as she sashayed down the runway in her skimpy ensemble
Adriana Lima made a stunning entrance in a sheer sequin-covered bodysuit with glittering underwear underneath that made it look almost as if she was walking out in the buff
She was decorated with copper-colored metallic wings
Later, Adriana returned with a second black-and-silver look. She contrasted her enormous silver wingspan with a cut-out teddy featuring sheer black stripes over her trim tummy
She added a touch of elegance with lacy black gloves reaching to her upper arms and a set of knee-high black leather boots
Alessandra Ambrosio looked lovely in a sheer beige monokini with clam-like designs protecting her modesty. The Brazilian catwalk star’s top was connected by crisscrossing straps to its bottom, and she added a dramatic touch with heart-shaped wings with metallic wings
Her second outfit featured a black lace bustier and dual-strap panties, along with lace black stocking. She was backed by wings with eye holes designed to look like a masquerade ball mask
Alessandra Ambrosio looked lovely in a sheer beige monokini with clam-like designs protecting her modesty.
The Brazilian catwalk star’s top was connected by crisscrossing straps to its bottom, and she added a dramatic touch with heart-shaped wings with metallic wings.
Her second outfit featured a black lace bustier and dual-strap panties, along with lace black stocking.
She was backed by wings with eye holes designed to look like a masquerade ball mask.
WNBA star Angel Reese towered over the runway in a floral bra and thong.
She wore a matching garter with dangling suspenders, and she covered up with a fuzzy pink floral boa.
Angel also walked in a more casual outfit featuring an odd pink crop top with a cut-out to reveal her pale-pink lace bra and a tied-off bottom.
WNBA star Angel Reese towered over the runway in a floral bra and thong. She wore a matching garter with dangling suspenders, and she covered up with a fuzzy pink floral boa
She also walked in a more casual outfit featuring an odd pink crop top with a cut-out to reveal her pale-pink lace bra and a tied-off bottom
Irina Shayk looked like a burlesque performer in her outfit, which included a towering pink featured headdress
She wore a sheer white corset top, with a large sequin-covered bow covering her bust, as well as a matching thong
Her second outfit featured a red bra with an asymmetrical top and a flowing semi-sheer red skirt that fluttered around her to highlight her fit legs
Irina Shayk looked like a burlesque performer in her outfit, which included a towering pink featured headdress.
She wore a sheer white corset top, with a large sequin-covered bow covering her bust, as well as a matching thong.
Her second outfit featured a red bra with an asymmetrical top and a flowing semi-sheer red skirt that fluttered around her to highlight her fit legs.
Amelia Gray Hamlin put on a sultry display in a skimpy black-and-silver look.
The model daughter of Lisa Rinna wore a round black black decorated with a glittering rhinestone frame and sparkling bows over the cups.
She covered up her black panties with a bejeweled skirt frame that was also decorated with bows.
Amelia Gray Hamlin put on a sultry display in a skimpy black-and-silver look
The model daughter of Lisa Rinna wore a round black black decorated with a glittering rhinestone frame and sparkling bows over the cups
She covered up her black panties with a bejeweled skirt frame that was also decorated with bows
Amelia wore her long raven hair down over her shoulders, which framed her sunken cheeks and strikingly plump pout
Amelia Gray put on a particularly revealing display with her other look, featuring a semi-sheer red slip with a short skirt that was covered in sequins
When she turned around, she revealed that the dress was backless, exposing her red g-string and pert derriere
After Madison Beer finished performing her song Make You Mine, the performer also walked the runway. She emerged in a sheer pink corset top with silvery floral embroidery and pink feathered wings
Behati Prinsloo cooled down the show in a lacy blue–gray robe with a flowing gray scarf and circular wing structure
Behati also lightened things up with a gray–brown bra featuring silver accents, along with matching garter and g-string. She had a voluminous copper-colored robe trailing her
Amelia wore her long raven hair down over her shoulders, which framed her sunken cheeks and strikingly plump pout.
Amelia Gray put on a particularly revealing display with her other look, featuring a semi-sheer red slip with a short skirt that was covered in sequins.
When she turned around, she revealed that the dress was backless, exposing her red g-string and pert derriere.
After Madison Beer finished performing her song Make You Mine, the performer also walked the runway.
She emerged in a sheer pink corset top with silvery floral embroidery and pink feathered wings.
Behati Prinsloo cooled down the show in a lacy blue–gray robe with a flowing gray scarf and circular wing structure.
The wife of Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine had her lustrous brunette locks swap back to reveal an enormous pair of round earrings.
Behati also lightened things up with a gray–brown bra featuring silver accents, along with matching garter and g-string. She had a voluminous copper-colored robe trailing her.
Alex Consani, who at 12 became the world’s youngest transgender model, wore a black bra with sheer high-waisted panties, a garter and matching stockings. She added some intrigue with a fuzzy sparkling silver robe draped down around her arms
She looked fierce in her other outfit, comprised of a red bra with loose-fitting red cargo pants that reached to the ground
Alex Consani, who at 12 became the world’s youngest transgender model, wore a black bra with sheer high-waisted panties, a garter and matching stockings.
She added some intrigue with a fuzzy sparkling silver robe draped down around her arms.
She looked fierce in her other outfit, comprised of a red bra with loose-fitting red cargo pants that reached to the ground.
Stella Maxwell set temperatures soaring in a leather red top that was draped loosely over her svelte figure and red ‘Very Sexy’ in large type over her chest.
The runway star had legs for day in the look, which included a crimson lace thong and red open-toe heels with ankle straps.
She rocked tall black socks with white strips and pointy-toed white stiletto boots, and she covered her bleached-blond hair with a black ski cap.
Her elegant blond hair and impeccable visage were framed by her glittering red wings, which were decorated with gleamed square spangles.
Fellow UK beauty Lila Moss, the daughter of supermodel Kate Moss, changed things up with a cool and casual look for Victoria’s Secret’s sub-brand Pink, which advertises to younger women and girls.
Fellow UK beauty Stella Maxwell set temperatures soaring in a leather red top that was draped loosely over her svelte figure and red ‘Very Sexy’ in large type over her chest
The runway star had legs for day in the look, which included a crimson lace thong and red open-toe heels with ankle straps
Her elegant blond hair and impeccable visage were framed by her glittering red wings, which were decorated with gleamed square spangles
Lila Moss, the daughter of supermodel Kate Moss, changed things up with a cool and casual look for Victoria’s Secret’s sub-brand Pink, which advertises to younger women and girls
Her more conservative look featured a thin gray sweatshirt-style bodysuit with the logo’s branding in silver block letters on her chest
Iris Law also modeled for Pink in a black crop top and black panties with a thick sparkling silver waistband
She rocked tall black socks with white strips and pointy-toed white stiletto boots, and she covered her bleached-blond hair with a black ski cap
Model-turned-Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira put her slimmed-down figure on display in a red bra and matching panties, along with pointy gray–blue lace-up backless heels and white socks with red stripes. She also wore a denim jacket with comical denim wings
Sunisa ‘Suni’ Lee, the gymnast who captured gold at the 2020 Olympics, showcased her athletic physique in a Pink crop top over a black bra. She wore it with a pink cardigan, black athletic shorts and sparkling silver heels that matched her hoop earrings
The Pink models assembled for a group shot at the end of their segment
Her more conservative look featured a thin gray sweatshirt-style bodysuit with the logo’s branding in silver block letters on her chest.
The 23-year-old blond beauty paired the top with knee-high white socks featuring gray stripes, along with pink heels, a campus-ready red lanyard and a gray-and-pink beanie.
Her more conservative look featured a thin gray sweatshirt-style bodysuit with the logo’s branding in silver block letters on her chest.
Iris Law also modeled for Pink in a black crop top and black panties with a thick sparkling silver waistband.
Model-turned-Euphoria star Barbie Ferreira put her slimmed-down figure on display in a red bra and matching panties, along with pointy gray–blue lace-up backless heels and white socks with red stripes.
She also wore a denim jacket with comical denim wings.
Sunisa ‘Suni’ Lee, the gymnast who captured gold at the 2020 Olympics, showcased her athletic physique in a Pink crop top over a black bra.
She wore it with a pink cardigan, black athletic shorts and sparkling silver heels that matched her hoop earrings.
Barbara Palvin had all eyes on her with a sparkling silver top shaped like a bird in flight, which she wore with a silver sequined mini skirt highlighting her long legs
Ashley Graham put her famous curves on display in a busty black bra and semi-sheer black lace panties. She looked ready to take flight with fuzzy black featured wings and a modest train trailing behind her
South African model Candice Swanepoel covered up a gray–brown bra with a top of multiple beaded strands. The look featured a garter, panties and stockings in the same shade, and she boasted metallic wings
Barbara Palvin had all eyes on her with a sparkling silver top shaped like a bird in flight, which she wore with a silver sequined mini skirt highlighting her long legs.
Ashley Graham put her famous curves on display in a busty black bra and semi-sheer black lace panties.
She looked ready to take flight with fuzzy black featured wings and a modest train trailing behind her.
South African model Candice Swanepoel covered up a gray–brown bra with a top of multiple beaded strands.
The look featured a garter, panties and stockings in the same shade, and she boasted metallic wings.
Lilly Aldridge favored a more reserved look featuring a black satin slip decorated with beads and sequins at the bottom of the skirt.
Lilly Aldridge favored a more reserved look featuring a black satin slip decorated with beads and sequins at the bottom of the skirt. It featured a plunging neckline to reveal her brown lace bra, and she wore a circular crown framing her face that made her look like a religious icon
Another of the evening’s musical performers, Karol G, created a stir when she walked the runway in a red satin bodysuit with angular knife-like wings and heels decorated with leaf-like flourishes
It featured a plunging neckline to reveal her brown lace bra, and she wore a circular crown framing her face that made her look like a religious icon.
Another of the evening’s musical performers, Karol G, created a stir when she walked the runway in a red satin bodysuit with angular knife-like wings and heels decorated with leaf-like flourishes.
Precious Lee flaunted her curves in a black bra that peeked out over her pale pink lace bustier, which she wore with matching panties.
She covered her long, lustrous raven tresses with a dramatic headdress decorated with a pink fan.
Abby Champion contrasted her lustrous black wings with a hot pink sheer teddy, which she wore over a black bra and panties.
Joan Smalls looked elegant in a white bra and panties that were covered by a top of dangling gold strands.
She wore small feathered wings attached to her head reminiscent of the Greek god Hermes.
Joan’s other look at the show featured feathered sleeves with a sleek red bra and panties.
Precious Lee flaunted her curves in a black bra that peeked out over her pale pink lace bustier, which she wore with matching panties. She covered her long, lustrous raven tresses with a dramatic headdress decorated with a pink fan
Abby Champion contrasted her lustrous black wings with a hot pink sheer teddy, which she wore over a black bra and panties
Her other outfit featured a pale pink bra covered with a sheer jeweled crop top and a matching sheer skirt, while she wore a headband decorated with strands of large pink beads and bird-like designs hovering over her blond hair
Joan Smalls looked elegant in a white bra and panties that were covered by a top of dangling gold strands. She wore small feathered wings attached to her head reminiscent of the Greek god Hermes
Joan’s other look at the show featured feathered sleeves with a sleek red bra and panties
Imaan Hamman was decked out in a black tasseled underwear with silver bedazzled straps and pink bows.
Daiane Sodre put on a fiery display in a red lace bustier and high-waisted lace panties with sheer red stockings.
Ju Xiaowen wore an intriguing sheer slip decorated with sequins, which covered up her white bra and sheer lace thong.
Doutzen Kroes covered up in a sheer black bodysuit with floral lace designs and a cutout over her toned tummy.
It featured a black bra, and she wore a jeweled belly chains and a black feathered headdress with the look.
Abény Nhial contrasted her simple white bra and panties with a lattice-like dress of jeweled strands and sparkling purple pom poms.
Angelina Kendall paired her white lace bra and panties with a jeweled belt featuring a prominent Victoria’s Secret display in front.
Grace Elizabeth was packaged up like a present in her sheer beaded dress, which had a large white bow that rested over her white bra.
Imaan Hammam was decked out in a black tasseled underwear with silver bedazzled straps and pink bows
Daiane Sodre put on a fiery display in a red lace bustier and high-waisted lace panties with sheer red stockings
Ju Xiaowen wore an intriguing sheer slip decorated with sequins, which covered up her white bra and sheer lace thong.
Doutzen Kroes covered up in a sheer black bodysuit with floral lace designs and a cutout over her toned tummy. It featured a black bra, and she wore a jeweled belly chains and a black feathered headdress with the look
Abény Nhial contrasted her simple white bra and panties with a lattice-like dress of jeweled strands and sparkling purple pom poms
Angelina Kendall paired her white lace bra and panties with a jeweled belt featuring a prominent Victoria’s Secret display in front
Grace Elizabeth was packaged up like a present in her sheer beaded dress, which had a large white bow that rested over her white bra. The outfit featured white bottoms, and she wear enormous rectangular earrings
Awar Odhiang also wore a sheer bead-covered dress, but she covered up more with white-and-pink striped pajama pants and a white bra.
She rocked a crap decorated with shooting star designs.
The Georgian model Mathilda Gvarliani rocked a pink bustier and boxy panties, which were partially covered up with a matching top and skirt decorated with Victoria’s Secret logos.
The outfit featured white bottoms, and she wear enormous rectangular earrings.
Emeline Hoareau flaunted her stellar figure in a simple black bra and panties that were lined with pink lace.
She wore a flamingo-inspired pink-and-black feathered headdress.
Anok Yai was decked out in black lingerie, and she covered up her sleek figure with a net-like jeweled top.
Rounding out the musical performers was hip hop icon MIssy Elliott, who looked effortlessly chic in a black bodysuit.
Awar Odhiang also wore a sheer bead-covered dress, but she covered up more with white-and-pink striped pajama pants and a white bra. She rocked a crap decorated with shooting star designs
The Georgian model Mathilda Gvarliani rocked a pink bustier and boxy panties, which were partially covered up with a matching top and skirt decorated with Victoria’s Secret logos
Emeline Hoareau flaunted her stellar figure in a simple black bra and panties that were lined with pink lace. She wore a flamingo-inspired pink-and-black feathered headdress
Anok Yai was decked out in black lingerie, and she covered up her sleek figure with a net-like jeweled top
Twice members Momo, Nayeon and Tzuyu were all dressed in casual Pink apparel
Rounding out the musical performers was hip hop icon MIssy Elliott, who looked effortlessly chic in a black bodysuit
The slimmed-down rapper and producer’s outfit featured a bounty of textures with a mix of sequins, rhinestones and opulent jeweled designs. She covered up with cool black wraparound sunglasses, which were framed by her silver hoop earrings
The models celebrated a successful show at the end as confetti rained down on them
The slimmed-down rapper and producer’s outfit featured a bounty of textures with a mix of sequins, rhinestones and opulent jeweled designs. She covered up with cool black wraparound sunglasses, which were framed by her silver hoop earrings.
For decades, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was one of the most coveted runway events in fashion.
It first kicked off in 1995 and immediately attracted immense buzz, with some of the biggest models on the globe walking in the fashion show.
By 2001 it was being broadcasted live on television, and each year, millions tuned in to watch the stunning models strut their stuff and the A-list performers dazzle on stage.
But in 2019, after more than two decades of it reigning supreme, the annual show was canceled amidst immense criticism over the brand’s lack of diversity when it comes to body types before then-chief marketing officer Ed Razek’s eyebrow-raising comments about trans and plus-sized models.
Last year, the Angels returned to the catwalk after a six year hiatus with a more diverse roster including plus-size and transgender models.
The latest runway show comes weeks after Victoria’s Secret’s new CEO announced plans to return to its ‘unapologetically sexy’ branding as it moves away from its woke rebrand.
The lingerie company is embracing its bombshell roots after years of struggling sales and a tepid response to its diverse catwalk last year.
Bella Hadid looked rejuvenated and ready for another great show while getting her hair done backstage
Her sister Gigi covered up her pink underwear with a pink-and-white striped robe back stage
She cooled down with Lila Moss
Ashley Graham hung out backstage with Ashlyn Erickson, who wore Pink-branded sweatpants with a pink crop top and black sports bra
Abby Champion beamed in a pink zip-up hoodie as she got a caffeine boost while getting her hair done
Abby’s husband Patrick Schwarzenegger was also spotted backstage looking stylish in a black leather jacket as he headed to spend some time with her
Iris Law was pictured getting some last-minute touch-ups before her big moment
She posed with Lila Moss earlier while they were still being made up
Barbara Palvin looked elegant in a black gown as she popped a leg for a loved-up pose with her husband Dylan Sprouse
Lily Aldridge, Candie Swanepoel and Doutzen Kroes joined forces to show off their sultry ensembles
Actress and fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker wore a chic double-breasted black coat
Jasmine Tookes beamed as she put her baby bump on full display
Anok Yai, Paloma Elesser and Angel Reese held hands while displaying their pink showgirl-inspired looks
Jodie Turner-Smith put on a busty display in a plunging white outfit backstage
Celebrity stylist Law Roach (R) caught up with makeup artist Pat McGrath backstage
Alessandra Ambrosio had to stand on tippy toes in order to nearly be as tall as a slouching Angel Reese
Kylie Jenner’s pal Jordyn Woods looked fierce in a puffy animal-print jacket with black platform heels
(L–R) Mariana Moioli, Abény Nhial, Ashlyn Erickson and Blesnya Minher all gathered around Law Roach during downtime before the show
CEO Hillary Super, 53, who took on the role in September 2024, admitted her predecessors had allowed the brand to become ‘watered down’.
‘At the time I took over, Victoria’s Secret was regarded as inappropriate and off-color and we had to correct those mistakes,’ former CEO Martin Waters told the Wall Street Journal.
The company toned down its provocative branding after a a 2020 New York Times article reported that many employees and models faced a slew of misogyny and harassment.
At the time, the brand was under the leadership of Leslie Wexner and Ed Razek.
Super, however, said many decisions were made ‘out of fear’ after the company moved away from their sexualized branding and more toward comfort following a wave of backlash.
The brand’s seductive lingerie was replaced with products with more coverage and plain designs, as well as a heavier focus on athleisure wear and comfortable pajamas.
The company’s move into a more diverse and inclusive brand came after Victoria’s Secret came under fire following accusations of the brand’s problematic environment.
A former public relations employee for the company, Casey Crowe Taylor, told WSJ: ‘What was most alarming to me, as someone who was always raised as an independent woman, was just how ingrained this behavior was.
For decades, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was one of the most coveted runway events in fashion; (Jasmine Tookes in 2018)
Hillary Super, 53, became CEO of the company in September of last year and has said the company will shift back toward its ‘sexy’ branding
It comes after a tepid response to the diverse runway of 2024 which featured plus sized models such as Ashley Graham
Victoria’s Secret faced waves of backlash under Ed Razek (right) and Leslie Wexner’s (left) leadership in 2019 after reports of misogyny and harassment
Laetitia Casta models lingerie February 3, 1998 during a Victoria’s Secret fashion show in New York City
Models Frederique van der Wal and Naomi Campbell attend the “Victoria’s Secret Spring 1997 Lingerie Collection Runway Show” on February 4, 1998
‘This abuse was just laughed off and accepted as normal. It was almost like brainwashing. And anyone who tried to do anything about it wasn’t just ignored. They were punished,’ she added.
Razek denied the allegations at the time and declared them ‘categorically untrue’ or ‘taken out of context’.
‘I’ve been fortunate to work with countless, world-class models and gifted professionals and take great pride in the mutual respect we have for each other,’ he added.
A spokesperson for Wexner, who was reported to have close ties to Jeffrey Epstein, declined to provide comment to the outlet at the time.
Epstein was said to have lied to many Victoria’s Secret models and aspiring models and claimed that he worked for the company.
Victoria’s Secret also faced a wave of backlash in 2019 over poor quality and a lack of diversity among its models.
That same year, the CFO of Victoria’s Secret’s parent company Stuart Burgdoerfer announced the annual VS Fashion Show would be canceled.
The VS Fashion Show returned in 2024 with a new focus that included plus-sized models, such as Ashley Graham, as well as transgender models and different ethnicities.
They hired Valentina Sampaio, their first transgender model, to star in their new VS Pink campaign after Razek left.
However, the show was derided as lackluster and lacking the traditional glamor for which the brand was known.